North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed “unwavering commitment” to complete denuclearization, US President Trump said after their first face-to face talks. However, sanctions against Pyongyang to stay in place, he said.
During the first press conference after his historic meeting with the North Korean leader, Trump said US war games in the region would be “provocative” amid talks with Pyongyang and promised to suspend them. He also noted that the drills are quite expensive and the move will save a considerable amount of money for the US budget.
Despite Kim’s pledges for denuclearization and the optimism for further talks, the easing of restrictive measures on Pyongyang will not be coming in the near future, according to Trump. The sanctions will remain in force until full denuclearization, the US president said, noting that he is “looking forward” to it.
North Korea is currently under both international and unilateral US sanctions for its nuclear and missiles tests. Pyongyang demolished its nuclear testing site in May, having invited a group of foreign journalists to witness it. Now the North is to destroy a massive missiles testing site, according to Trump.